Froude Avenue Fire Response

City Council recognizes and thanks the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD), Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, St. John’s Status of Women Council, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, Froude Avenue Community Centre and other members of the community who provided support in response to the devastating fire at Froude Avenue. 

“Our hearts are with the individuals and families who have been displaced as a result of the fire,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of the City of St. John's. “Thank you to the many individuals and organizations who mobilized to provide support to residents who are affected.”

There has been some question about the City’s water supply. Due to the intensity of the fire and the fact that several units were quickly involved SJRFD mobilized Tanker 8 to augment the water necessary to cover exposed buildings and limit the fire to the single structure.

“Public safety and fire response is a top priority for the City of St. John's,” said Danny Breen, Chair of the Public Works Standing Committee. “There are areas, especially in older parts of the City, where our water main infrastructure requires upgrades, and these upgrades are ongoing. This does not compromise the ability of the fire department to respond.”

SJRFD has a top rating from the Fire Underwriters Survey, a national organization which provides information on public fire protection for fire insurance statistical work and underwriting purposes.

“The SJRFD would like to thank all agencies who responded to the fire scene last evening,” said Fire Chief Peach. “The support for the citizens affected by this terrible event was obvious and very welcome. Our thanks goes also to the firefighters and officers both on duty and those who answered our calls to return to work for their hard work in a challenging environment to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent buildings.”

City officials and SJRFD are continuously looking for ways to enhance and improve fire response.  Residents are to be assured that the service provided by the women and men of SJRFD is rated among the best in the country.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.